Nasturtium officinale
watercress
Common names: true watercress
Photo: Masparasol · CC BY 3.0 · Source
This description was machine-translated.
Description
Watercress is a wetland and water plant with a sharp, spicy, mustard-like aroma and a high vitamin C content. In nature it grows at springs and slowly flowing streams; in the garden it thrives only where the soil is permanently wet. The young shoots are a classic ingredient for soups and salads.
Care instructions
Plant watercress at the edge of a pond, in a constantly moist pit, or in a saucer with permanently standing water. Provide partial shade and fresh, clean water. Harvest the young shoot tips regularly, this keeps the plant compact; avoid stagnant, dirty water that causes the roots to rot.
Soil & site
Soil pH
Soil type
loamy, humus-rich, moist, nutrient-rich, lime-loving
Feeding
Medium feeder
Companion planting
Good neighbors
legume family (Fabaceae)
particularly well establishedLeguminous plants collect nitrogen in the soil, from which Brassicaceae benefit as heavy feeders.
For example PeaBush beanPole beanBroad beanMarker peaSugar pea and 31 more species in the catalogue
Source: classic companion planting (DACH-Gartenpraxis)
carrot family (Apiaceae)
You can pair celery and dill with all Brassicaceae because they repel the cabbage whitefly with their scent, a proven companion.
For example Carrotcelery rootDillParsleyCarrot fennelCoriander and 19 more species in the catalogue
Source: Bio-Gärtnerei Mixed-culture Practice
mint family (Lamiaceae)
You will notice that the intense scent of basil, thyme, and others confuses the cabbage whitefly and keeps it away from the cabbage family.
For example LavenderThymeBasilRosemarySageHyssop and 31 more species in the catalogue
Source: bio-gardening intercropping practice
nasturtium family (Tropaeolaceae)
Nasturtium serves as a trap plant for you. Aphids and cabbage whiteflies prefer it over the brassicaceae next to it.
For example Tropaeolum majusMashua
Source: Trap plant practice in organic horticulture
Companion planting is partly traditional gardening lore. Where the reason is known, it is given.
Some of these explanations were machine-translated.
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